Alberta's All-Season Ski Resorts: What's Changing at Castle, Nakiska, and Fortress
Alberta designated three ski resorts for year-round operation with $4 billion in projected visitor spending. Here's what's coming, when to visit, and what it means for your ski trips.
By Refdesk Team
What This Means for You
Alberta just designated Nakiska, Castle Mountain, and Fortress as the province's first all-season resorts on provincial Crown land. Starting in 2026, these ski areas can begin transforming into year-round destinations with hotels, expanded amenities, and summer activities.
For skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, this means significant changes are coming—some exciting, some concerning. Understanding what's planned will help you make better decisions about season passes, summer trip planning, and when to visit before the crowds arrive.
What's Changing at Each Resort
Nakiska Ski Area (Kananaskis)
| Current State | Planned Changes |
|---|---|
| Day-use skiing only | Overnight lodging development |
| Winter operations | Year-round activities |
| Basic day lodge | Expanded base facilities |
| No overnight accommodation | Hotels, possibly condos |
Why Nakiska matters:
- Just 80 km from Calgary (closest major resort to the city)
- Host of 1988 Winter Olympics alpine events
- 28 runs across 400 hectares
- Reliable snow-making capabilities
What's likely coming:
- Base area hotel development
- Summer mountain biking trails
- Expanded food and beverage options
- Potential spa and wellness facilities
- Conference/event spaces
Timeline: Development begins 2026, with major changes likely by 2028-2030.
Castle Mountain Resort (Southwest Alberta)
| Current State | Planned Changes |
|---|---|
| Day skiing, limited lodging | Expanded accommodation |
| Winter-focused | Four-season operations |
| 94 runs, 3,592 feet vertical | Same terrain, more amenities |
| Budget-friendly pricing | Likely premium pricing |
Why Castle matters:
- Alberta's second-largest vertical drop
- Authentic "locals" ski hill character
- Less crowded than major resorts
- Challenging expert terrain
What's likely coming:
- Significant lodging expansion
- Summer hiking and biking programs
- Zip lines and adventure activities
- Restaurant and retail development
- Improved access roads
Timeline: Development begins 2026, with phased expansion through 2030+.
Fortress Mountain
| Current State | Planned Changes |
|---|---|
| Cat skiing only (lifts closed 2005) | Full lift-serviced skiing returns |
| Very limited facilities | Complete resort development |
| Backcountry experience | Modern destination resort |
| No base amenities | Hotel, spa, retail planned |
Why Fortress matters:
- Highest base elevation in Canadian Rockies (7,200 feet)
- Exceptional snow conditions
- Plans for "Fortress 2.0" complete redevelopment
- Potential to be premium destination
What's coming (per Fortress 2.0 plans):
- Modern lift network replacing 1970s infrastructure
- New day lodge with full services
- Base area hotel with spa
- Retail and dining village
- Summer activities (hiking, biking, sightseeing)
Timeline: Most ambitious development; full buildout could take until 2032+.
Season Pass Considerations for 2025-2026 and Beyond
If you're deciding on season passes, here's how to think about the changes:
Nakiska:
- Current pass prices likely to increase as development progresses
- Consider locking in multi-year passes if offered
- Ikon Pass includes Nakiska (good value if you ski multiple Ikon resorts)
Castle Mountain:
- Currently one of Alberta's most affordable season passes
- Prices will likely rise significantly with development
- Buy now if you value the current uncrowded experience
Fortress:
- No lift-serviced season pass currently (cat skiing packages only)
- Watch for announcement of new pass products
- May join a multi-resort pass network
Strategic advice: If you love the current character of Castle or value Nakiska's uncrowded weekdays, the next few seasons offer a window before development changes the experience. Conversely, if you want modern amenities and don't mind crowds, patience may reward you with significantly better facilities.
Summer Activities Coming to Alberta's Mountains
Year-round designation opens these resorts to summer operations currently limited to national park resorts like Lake Louise and Sunshine.
Expected summer activities:
| Activity | Nakiska | Castle | Fortress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain biking | Yes | Yes | Likely |
| Hiking trails | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scenic chairlift | Yes | Likely | Yes |
| Zip lines/aerial park | Possible | Likely | Possible |
| Disc golf | Possible | Possible | Possible |
| Weddings/events | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wildlife viewing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Comparison with existing summer operations:
| Resort | Current Summer | Visitor Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Louise (Banff NP) | Sightseeing, hiking | 500,000+ annually |
| Sunshine (Banff NP) | Hiking, sightseeing | 200,000+ annually |
| Kicking Horse (BC) | Biking, via ferrata | 100,000+ annually |
| Nakiska (proposed) | TBD | Projected significant |
Planning Visits Before and After Development
Visit NOW if you want:
- Uncrowded skiing at Castle Mountain
- Authentic "old school" Alberta ski experience
- Lower prices before development markup
- Cat skiing at Fortress before lift service returns
Wait until LATER if you want:
- Overnight stays at the resorts
- Modern amenities and dining options
- Summer mountain activities
- Family-friendly convenience
2025-2026 season opening dates:
- Nakiska: Tentatively November 28, 2025
- Castle Mountain: Tentatively December 5, 2025
- Fortress: Cat skiing by reservation (check website)
Accommodation Options During Transition
Until resort hotels are built, here are your overnight options:
Near Nakiska:
| Option | Distance | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kananaskis Mountain Lodge | 15 min | $250-450/night | Full-service resort |
| Delta Hotels Kananaskis | 15 min | $200-350/night | Conference hotel |
| Canmore hotels | 25 min | $150-400/night | Wide variety |
| Calgary hotels | 60 min | $100-250/night | Budget option |
Near Castle Mountain:
| Option | Distance | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Mountain Chalets | On-site | $150-250/night | Limited units |
| Pincher Creek hotels | 45 min | $100-150/night | Basic options |
| Waterton townsite | 60 min | $150-300/night | Scenic, seasonal |
| Lethbridge hotels | 90 min | $100-200/night | Full amenities |
Near Fortress:
| Option | Distance | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kananaskis lodges | 30-45 min | $200-400/night | Limited availability |
| Canmore hotels | 45-60 min | $150-400/night | Best selection |
| Banff hotels | 60 min | $200-500/night | Premium pricing |
Environmental Considerations
The All-Seasons Resort Act designation has raised environmental concerns that visitors should understand.
What's changing:
- Nakiska Ski Area loses Provincial Recreation Area designation
- 131 hectares removed from Fortress Mountain provincial park land
- Castle Wildland Provincial Park boundaries adjusted
Why this matters:
- Less environmental protection under resort designation
- Potential for expanded development footprint
- Wildlife corridor impacts possible
- Water use and waste management challenges
What's required:
- Environmental assessments for new development
- Indigenous community consultation
- Stakeholder engagement processes
- Compliance with environmental standards
CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) concerns:
- Loss of protected park land
- Cumulative impacts on wildlife
- Precedent for future development
- Adequacy of consultation processes
For environmentally-conscious visitors:
- Support resorts with strong environmental practices
- Use public transit where available (limited)
- Stay on designated trails
- Report wildlife sightings to park authorities
- Consider carbon offsets for travel
Comparing with Banff/Jasper Resorts
The new all-season designations create competition with established national park resorts.
Current all-season options in the region:
| Resort | Park Type | Summer Activities | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Louise | National | Yes | Chateau, village |
| Sunshine | National | Limited | Day-use, shuttle |
| Marmot Basin | National | Limited | Jasper town |
| Nakiska | Provincial (new) | Coming 2026+ | Coming |
| Castle | Provincial (new) | Coming 2026+ | Limited, expanding |
| Fortress | Provincial (new) | Coming 2026+ | Coming |
Key differences:
| Factor | National Park Resorts | New Provincial Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Parks Canada oversight | Alberta provincial |
| Development limits | Strict boundaries | More flexibility |
| Park entry fee | Required ($11/day or pass) | Not currently required |
| Pricing | Premium | Currently lower |
| Crowds | High, especially summer | Currently lower |
Economic Impact and Jobs
The government projects significant economic benefits:
Provincial estimates:
- 24,000 jobs created over 10 years
- $4 billion in visitor spending
- Construction employment during development
- Permanent hospitality and operations jobs
Job opportunities by phase:
| Phase | Timeline | Job Types |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 2026-2030+ | Trades, engineering, project management |
| Operations ramp-up | 2028+ | Hospitality, retail, food service |
| Full operations | 2030+ | Resort management, outdoor recreation, services |
For job seekers:
- Watch for hiring announcements from resort operators
- Hospitality training programs valuable
- Seasonal positions likely available first
- Management roles as operations mature
The News: What Happened
On December 9, 2025, Premier Danielle Smith announced that Nakiska, Castle Mountain, and Fortress have been designated as Alberta's first all-season resorts under the All-Seasons Resort Act, according to CBC News.
Tourism Minister Andrew Boitchenko confirmed the three resorts—all located on Crown land in provincial parks—can now apply to operate year-round and expand facilities beyond winter skiing, Global News reports.
According to CBC News, the government estimates the designations could generate 24,000 jobs and $4 billion in visitor spending over 10 years. While Banff and Jasper national parks have all-season resorts, these are the first on Alberta provincial lands.
Fortress Mountain's website already outlines ambitious "Fortress 2.0" plans including a modern lift network, day lodge, and base area development with hotel, spa, and retail facilities, according to Bow Valley Insider.
Environmental groups including CPAWS have raised concerns about park land being removed from protected status, with 131 hectares potentially affected at Fortress Mountain alone, CBC News reports.
Development is slated to begin in 2026, with resort operators required to consult with stakeholders including Indigenous communities and meet environmental standards.
Analysis: Why This Matters
Alberta's move to create all-season resorts on provincial land represents a significant shift in how the province approaches mountain tourism.
The Competitive Landscape
For decades, Alberta's mountain tourism has been dominated by Banff and Jasper national parks. While spectacular, these parks face strict development limits under Parks Canada regulations.
The provincial government sees an opportunity to capture visitor spending that might otherwise go to British Columbia or leave Canada entirely. By allowing more flexible development on provincial lands, Alberta hopes to create destinations that complement—and compete with—the national park experience.
The Environmental Trade-off
The All-Seasons Resort Act explicitly allows development that wouldn't be permitted in national parks. Critics argue this trades short-term economic gain for long-term environmental costs. Supporters counter that careful development can coexist with conservation.
The reality will depend on how rigorously environmental standards are enforced and whether resort operators prioritize sustainability.
What Success Looks Like
If the developments succeed, visitors will have more choices for Alberta mountain experiences, prices may become more competitive, and communities near the resorts will benefit economically.
If they struggle, Alberta may have sacrificed park land for underperforming developments—a cautionary tale for other provinces considering similar approaches.
Your Action Plan
This Winter (2025-2026)
- Experience current resort character before changes
- Buy season passes at current (lower) prices
- Book Fortress cat skiing if interested in backcountry
- Visit Castle Mountain before crowds increase
Summer 2026
- Watch for new summer activity announcements
- Consider early-adopter summer visits
- Book accommodation in nearby towns
2027 and Beyond
- Monitor development progress at each resort
- Evaluate new amenities as they open
- Consider multi-resort passes as offerings expand
Other Perspectives
Alberta Government
Premier Smith and Tourism Minister Boitchenko emphasize job creation, economic diversification, and providing Albertans with world-class recreation destinations.
Resort Operators
Operators welcome the flexibility to invest in year-round facilities, noting that seasonal operations limit profitability and employment stability.
Environmental Groups
CPAWS and other organizations express concern about park land removal, wildlife impacts, and the precedent set for future development on protected lands.
Indigenous Communities
Consultation is required under the Act; Indigenous perspectives on specific developments will emerge during the planning process.
Ski Industry Observers
Some see opportunity for Alberta to compete more effectively with BC ski destinations; others worry about loss of the "authentic" ski experience at currently uncrowded hills.
Corrections Policy
We strive for accuracy. If you find an error in this analysis, please email us at [email protected]. We will promptly investigate and correct any factual inaccuracies.
Updates:
- No corrections to date (as of December 13, 2025)
Related Topics
- Alberta Ski Guide: Complete guide to Alberta ski resorts
- Kananaskis Country: Provincial park information
- Alberta Parks: Camping and recreation booking
Sources
- CBC News - "Alberta designates Nakiska, Castle and Fortress as first 3 locations for all-season resorts" (December 10, 2025)
- CBC News - "What all-season resort designations will mean for visitors — and the environment — still unclear" (December 11, 2025)
- Global News - "Alberta government creating new all season resorts at Castle, Nakiska, Fortress" (December 10, 2025)
- Bow Valley Insider - "Alberta Expands Tourism as Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska Gain All-Season Status" (December 2025)
- CHAT News Today - "Alberta names first All-Season Resorts, environmental groups concerned" (December 10, 2025)